Welsh champions The New Saints are set to miss out on the chance to break a world record on Friday following a 'miscommunication' by Guinness World Records.
The Oswestry-based side, who currently sit top of the JD Cymru Premier and are heading for a 16th domestic title, were initially credited as having equalled the current record for most consecutive wins in a men's domestic season.
That record currently stands at 27, a tally they actually set themselves after overtaking previous record holders Ajax in 2016.
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However, confusion has since emerged over whether penalty shoot-out victories count towards the figure. Guinness had initially stated spot-kick wins would be included, but have now seemingly made a u-turn on that decision.
With one of the club's wins coming via spot kicks against East Fife in the SPFL Trophy, it now leaves TNS seven games short of the record ahead of Friday's clash with Bala Town.
In a statement, the Football Association of Wales said: "On 6 February 2024, Guinness World Records responded to a query from the Football Association of Wales regarding the following record: Most consecutive association men's football victories (all competitions)
"Clarity was sought over whether a win courtesy of a penalty shoot-out counted towards the above record. Guinness World Records confirmed that they did.
"On Tuesday evening, by that criteria, The New Saints FC equalled the above record by defeating Newtown – their 27th consecutive win in all competitions.
"However, today (7 February), Guinness World Records have apologised for a miscommunication and stated that wins via a penalty shoot-out do not count towards a consecutive winning streak and instead only games that are won in 90 minutes.
"Therefore, as The New Saints’ victory over East Fife in the SPFL Trust Trophy on 14 October 2023 came courtesy of a penalty shoot-out, the club have not equalled the world record. Instead, their winning streak stands at 20 matches."
In response, a TNS revealed they would be seeking further clarification, insisting that penalty shoot-out wins should count.
The club said: "We are naturally disappointed to learn that our 27-game winning streak apparently no longer qualifies as equalling the world record.
"On the 6th February, Guinness World Records confirmed we had equalled the world record, and then on the 7th February, we were told there has apparently been a “miscommunication” and that we have not now equalled the world record.
"As far as we are concerned, a win is a win, and so we have secured 27 wins back-to-back – a fabulous achievement by Craig and the team, and one deserving of recognition.
"We are in communication with Guinness World Records, and we are hopeful of a resolution that is a fair recognition of the club’s remarkable achievement on the pitch."
